There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about La Choy hamburger chow mein—it’s the kind of comforting, budget-friendly dinner that brings back memories of family meals around the kitchen table. 💛 I grew up eating this simple skillet dish, and it never fails to satisfy with its savory ground beef, crispy vegetables, and those signature crunchy noodles on top.
What makes this recipe special is how quickly it comes together using pantry staples and La Choy ingredients. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a complete meal that feeds the whole family without breaking the bank. The ground beef cooks up perfectly seasoned, while celery and onions add crunch and flavor to every bite.
By the time you pile those crispy chow mein noodles on top, you’ll have a dish that’s part American comfort food, part Asian-inspired goodness—all delicious. The contrast between the savory beef mixture and crunchy noodles creates that perfect texture combination that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Serve it straight from the skillet for easy weeknight dinners. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for la choy hamburger chow mein
Here’s everything you need to create this classic La Choy hamburger chow mein at home.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Beef 🥩 | 1 lb | 80/20 blend for best flavor |
| Yellow Onion 🧅 | 1 whole | Medium size, diced |
| Celery Stalks 🥬 | 2 whole | Sliced diagonally for crunch |
| Garlic Cloves 🧄 | 2 cloves | Minced or pressed |
| La Choy Soy Sauce 🥫 | 3 tbsp | Or regular soy sauce |
| Beef Broth 💧 | 1 cup | Low-sodium preferred |
| Worcestershire Sauce 🍶 | 1 tbsp | Adds savory depth |
| Cornstarch 🌾 | 2 tbsp | For thickening sauce |
| Water 💧 | 2 tbsp | To mix with cornstarch |
| Black Pepper 🌶️ | ½ tsp | Freshly ground preferred |
| La Choy Chow Mein Noodles 🍜 | 1 can | 5 oz can, crispy |
| Green Onions 🌱 | 2 whole | Sliced for garnish |
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You'll find La Choy products in the Asian foods aisle at most grocery stores like Walmart, Kroger, or Safeway. The iconic chow mein noodles come in small cans near the soy sauce. For ground beef, choose 80/20 from your butcher counter for the best balance of flavor and moisture. Fresh celery should be firm and crisp with bright green leaves. Look for yellow onions that feel heavy and have tight, papery skins.
Don't have La Choy noodles? Substitute crispy wonton strips or even crushed ramen noodles for similar crunch. Regular soy sauce works perfectly if you can't find La Choy brand—just use a good quality one like Kikkoman. If celery isn't available, try sliced bell peppers or cabbage for vegetable crunch. Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.
Store leftover chow mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the crispy noodles separate and add them just before serving to maintain their crunch. Reheat the beef mixture gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
Step-by-Step Instructions for La Choy Hamburger Chow Mein
Let me walk you through this nostalgic classic that comes together in under 30 minutes.
🍳 Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Aromatics
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and no pink remains. I like to let it sit undisturbed for the first 2 minutes to develop a nice sear before breaking it up—this adds extra flavor.
Add the diced yellow onion and sliced celery stalks directly to the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the celery softens slightly but still has crunch. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. If there’s excess grease, drain off all but about 1 tablespoon.
🥘 Step 2: Build the Savory Sauce
Pour in the beef broth, La Choy soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with the water until completely smooth with no lumps. Pour this slurry into the skillet while stirring constantly. The sauce will thicken within 1-2 minutes and should coat the back of a spoon. Add the black pepper and taste—adjust seasoning if needed, though the soy sauce and Worcestershire usually provide plenty of saltiness.
🍜 Step 3: Serve Over Crispy Noodles
Divide the La Choy chow mein noodles among four serving plates, creating a crispy nest for the beef mixture. Spoon the hot beef and sauce generously over the noodles—you want that contrast between the crunchy noodles and savory gravy.
Garnish with the sliced green onions for a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor. Serve immediately while the noodles are still crispy. They’ll start to soften as they soak up the sauce, which is part of the charm of this dish!
Are you ready to create a delicious La Choy Hamburger Chow Mein recipe that will become a family favorite? 🍴 This classic dish is a staple of American-Chinese cuisine, and with our simple recipe, you can enjoy it in the comfort of your own home.
🔪 Preparing the Ingredients
To start, you’ll need the following ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 onion, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 cup of La Choy Chow Mein noodles, 2 cups of beef broth, 2 tbsp of soy sauce, and 1 tsp of sesame oil. Make sure to chop the onion and garlic finely to bring out their flavors.
🍳 Cooking the Noodles
Cook the La Choy Chow Mein noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves boiling them in water for 3-5 minutes, or until they’re tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
👨🍳 Browning the Beef
In a large skillet or wok, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat and add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent.
- Add the beef broth, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and stir to combine with the beef mixture.
💡 Pro tip: You can customize this recipe to your taste by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bean sprouts or cabbage. Simply add them to the skillet with the onion and garlic for added flavor and nutrition.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 20 minutes | 35 minutes |
Tips & Tricks for Perfect La Choy Hamburger Chow Mein
These tried-and-tested tips will help you achieve the best texture and flavor every time.
Don’t Skip the Sear: When browning the ground beef, resist the urge to constantly stir it. Let it sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to develop a deep, caramelized crust before breaking it apart. This creates richer flavor than just steaming the meat. Use 85/15 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and not too much grease to drain. 💡
Cornstarch Slurry Technique: Always mix your cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the hot skillet. If you add cornstarch directly to the sauce, it will clump immediately and create lumps that won’t dissolve. Whisk it thoroughly in a small bowl until completely smooth, then pour it in while stirring constantly for a silky, glossy sauce.
Noodle Timing is Everything: Keep your La Choy noodles in the can until the very last moment before serving. Opening them too early exposes them to humidity and they’ll lose their signature crispness. I plate the noodles and immediately top with the hot beef mixture so you get that perfect contrast between crunchy and saucy. 🔥
Make-Ahead Strategy: You can prepare the beef mixture up to 2 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if it’s thickened too much. Always serve over fresh, crispy noodles for the best texture experience.
Nutrition Facts
485kcal
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Trained in classic French technique but raised on slow-cooked ribs and spicy rubs, she blends culinary skill with smoke and soul.
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